In this post, I comment on MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred’s decision to reinstate Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson from baseball’s permanently ineligible list.

Years ago, Shoeless Joe Jackson of the Chicago White Sox and Pete Rose, primarily of the Cincinnati Reds, were each involved in gambling scandals related to the game of baseball. As a result, both players were forever banned from Major League Baseball. Their status has now changed.

Rob Manfred, Commissioner of Major League Baseball, announced on May 13, 2025, the reinstatement of Rose and Jackson from baseball’s permanently ineligible list. Both former players will now finally be eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame – and both have the career statistics worthy of such recognition. They will likely be considered and voted on when a committee of the Hall of Fame meets at the end of 2027. If elected, they would be members of the Hall’s Class of 2028.

Shoeless Joe passed away in 1951 and Pete passed away on September 30, 2024, so Manfred’s move falls under the “better late than never” category. Pete spoke often of wanting to be reinstated and elected to the Hall of Fame. So it will be bittersweet when these baseball greats are enshrined in Cooperstown.

In a letter explaining his decision, Manfred wrote to attorney Jeffrey M. Lenkov – the lawyer who petitioned for Rose’s reinstatement on January 8, 2025 – “Obviously, a person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game. Moreover, it is hard to conceive of a penalty that has more deterrent effect than one that lasts a lifetime with no reprieve. Therefore, I have concluded that permanent ineligibility ends upon the passing of the disciplined individual, and Mr. Rose will be removed from the permanently ineligible list.”

The same thinking holds true for Shoeless Joe – both are reinstated because they are no longer alive –  but Manfred and MLB must go a step further by recognizing gambling as the medical disorder it is. Historically, it has been one strike and you’re out for addicted gamblers, while at the same time the accepted standard for players with alcohol and other drug addictions is medical intervention and rehabilitation, often multiple times.

Study Joe Jackson’s story and you’ll find he was involved in the gambling scandal where certain members of the 1919 Chicago White Sox – a heavy favorite – intentionally made mistakes so Chicago would lose that year’s World Series. Jackson was not an educated man, and many have said he became involved without knowing exactly what the game-fixing was all about. Unlike the other White Sox players involved, Jackson hit an impressive .375 in the Series. Despite the doubt surrounding Jackson’s participation, he was permanently banned like the others. 

Rose, on the other hand, was a man with a considerable gambling addiction. 

As I wrote in a Times Leader column in October 2024: The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders defines gambling as a behavioral addiction, explaining, “in certain ways, gambling disorder resembles substance use disorder.” The Cleveland Clinic notes both “change your brain chemistry and can have features of withdrawal and tolerance.” 

Gambling disorder has multiple causes, including genetics, changes in brain chemistry, personality traits, and coexisting mental health conditions. Like other addictions, gambling disorder requires professional medical treatment for affected individuals to identify and come to terms with their condition, so they can work together to change unhealthy thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. And it requires continual recovery.

That sure sounds like a medical condition, not simply poor choices. So, why is it treated differently? The leagues always fall back on their “maintaining integrity” theme.

That is quite convenient for them. And it reeks of a double standard since MLB and the other major sports leagues all greatly benefit monetarily from the increased interest in their games gained from legalized betting promotions.

Congratulations, Commissioner Manfred, for reinstating Rose and Jackson. Now, let’s be honest about gambling addiction and disorder. That will benefit everyone. 

REMEMBER…

◊ A report by NBC News on February 17, 2025, shared that “Online searches for gambling addiction surge as legalized sports betting expands, study finds.” Writer Erik Ortiz noted the increase in the number of states with legalized sports betting is “prompting a need for more public health awareness.” Read the full article at https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/online-searches-gambling-addiction-surge-legalized-sports-betting-expa-rcna192462. 

◊ Call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER for help with gambling addiction.

◊ Visit www.davidajolley.com for additional blog posts, other interesting content, and updates on future book releases.